Winter Wedding Ideas
Posted on
Planning a wedding at any time of year takes a lot of doing. But if you’re planning a winter wedding there are many other things you’ll need to consider, like the unpredictable weather and ice cold temperatures!
So how can you use these to your advantage to create a magical winter wonderland day for all to remember?
From the décor you’re going to choose to the outfit you’re going to wear, here are some of the best ideas for the ultimate winter wedding.
Top tips to take the chill off a winter wedding!
The winter season is a perfect time to get married. The snow and ice add an extra touch of magic to the ceremony and reception. If you are thinking of getting married in the winter, here are some ideas that will help make your day unforgettable.
Click here for faux fur bridal shawl
Consider the temperature when choosing winter wedding outfits
Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day but in the winter you’re going to need to take the plummeting temperatures into consideration.
That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice that stunning dress you’ve had your eye on but does mean you need to think about adding an extra layer. Places like Coast have a whole host of outfits for brides and wedding guests that evoke all the glamour you desire but with some added warmth. Or for something more unique we love the winter wedding clothing ideas for a bride at Etsy which we've taken inspiration from for the images in this article. Simply click the links underneath the images to view the full details of each beautiful item.
What are the best winter wedding outfits?
For the bride, think about a thicker dress, perhaps with long sleeves instead of short. A bridal poncho will really set the magical winter wonderland theme. Or a faux fur shawl will add a touch of glamour while keeping you cosy.
To accessorise, you can opt for luxurious long gloves if you have a short sleeve or strapless wedding dress. It's still possible to go strapless or short sleeved, so long as you choose accessories to keep warm!
Faux fur headband and hand muff
Faux fur Russian ice white hat
What about a winter wedding hat?
Styled well, a faux fur head band or Russian hat in white will look perfect on the bride, along with a hand muff to keep fingers toasty.
For a Christmas themed wedding you can even get a luxury white Santa hat... if not for the bride and groom, then maybe a nice touch for the guests incase they get cold... or to hand around for fun photos at the reception!
Luxury faux fur white Santa hat
Use the weather to your advantage
Whilst you might not get snow on your big day, that doesn’t mean you can’t centre your wedding on this theme. Consider using ice sculptures for centrepieces, snowflake decorations and wintery themed table names (like Jack Frost and Ice Queen).
You could even hire a fake-snow machine so you can create a magical atmosphere – and without all the mess of real snow!
Keep your winter wedding guests warm
And for one last touch, why not hand out blankets, or the warm Santa hats as shared above, to your guests during the wedding ceremony/reception? Not only will they appreciate the added warmth but it adds a cute finishing touch to your winter wedding too.
Check out these amazing shawls which can also be used as blankets for your guests, whilst also doubling up as the perfect winter wedding favours for your guests to keep as a memento of your wedding day.
Winter wedding blankets for guests
Opt for warm drinks at the wedding reception
If your guests have had to travel to the venue from the wedding ceremony, or you’ve been dragging them outside to have their photos taken, provide them with some welcome warmth by offering them warm drinks instead of champagne at the wedding reception.
Mulled wine or hot chocolate (with an optional shot of whisky or Baileys) will go down a treat!
And you can always have them served up in clear glasses with a touch of sparkle and snowflake stirrers to add a quirky touch that will look great in your wedding photos.
Choose ice queen makeup for the bride and bridesmaids
Create added impact to your outfit with natural base makeup and pearly shades. This will look stunning against your white dress and you can even add to it with silvery touches to your eye makeup.
Opt for pearly shades on your nails and lips and keep the rest of your makeup neutral to add to the dramatic effect.
You can also create a beautiful ice queen look for your eyes if you want something more daring and bold.
Snowflake confetti for a winter wedding
Snowflake confetti
For confetti you can use real white petals or choose some biodegradable materials to create white snowflake looking confetti. Hand these out to your guests in pouches with stickers saying 'Let it Snow' or 'Snow in Love' to match the winter theme.
Winter wedding decor
Likely your venue will be indoors in which case you can create a magical winter wonderland with fairy lights, white drapes, a collection of hanging paper snowflakes, sparkly snowflake garlands, candlelit lanterns and fake snow.
Wedding planners can create winter-themed centerpieces with pine cones, evergreen boughs, and white candle holders.
Instead of flowers, you can use pine cones or evergreens as your flower arrangements.
Winter wedding table centrepiece
Winter wedding table ideas
When it comes to planning the perfect winter wedding, creating a captivating and seasonally inspired table setting is key. We've curated a collection of winter wedding table ideas to help you infuse the magic of the season into your celebration. Whether you're aiming for an elegant affair or a rustic winter wonderland, these ideas will guide you in setting the stage for a memorable event.
Aesthetic Inspiration:
- Icy Elegance: Embrace the enchantment of winter with a colour scheme of icy blues and silvery hues. Combine elegant white roses with frosted glass tableware for a truly sophisticated look.
- Rustic Charm: For a more rustic feel, opt for wooden tables adorned with greenery accents. Incorporate natural elements like pinecones and evergreen branches to complete the look.
- Glamorous Sparkle: If glamour is your style, consider sequin tablecloths that shimmer like freshly fallen snow. Complement them with crystal tableware and dazzling centrepieces.
Table Decor:
- Winter Blooms: Create enchanting centrepieces using white roses, pinecones, and sprigs of eucalyptus. These elements not only capture the season's beauty but also provide a delightful fragrance.
- Candlelit Glow: Set the mood with gold or rose gold candleholders and tapered candles. The warm, flickering light will add a touch of romance to your winter tables.
- Snowflake Details: Enhance your winter theme with snowflake-themed place card holders or napkin rings. These small details can make a big impact on your table decor.
DIY Ideas:
- Pinecone Garlands: Craft your own pinecone garlands to drape along the tables. Spray-paint them in silver or gold for a festive touch.
- Snow Globe Favours: Personalise snow globe wedding favours with miniature winter scenes inside. Guests will treasure these charming keepsakes.
- Hand-Painted Table Numbers: Add a personal touch by hand-painting wooden table numbers with a wintry motif. This DIY project can be both fun and meaningful.
Seasonal Flowers:
- Classic Whites: Opt for classic winter blooms like white roses, ranunculus, and anemones for your bouquet and centrepieces.
- Rich Hues: Embrace the season's deep colours with dahlias in shades of burgundy and accents of eucalyptus greenery.
- Ethereal Baby's Breath: Create an ethereal, snowy effect with delicate baby's breath arrangements. Its simplicity is perfect for a winter wonderland.
These winter wedding table ideas encompass a range of styles and preferences, allowing you to customise your tables to match your vision. Whether you're going for a traditional, glamorous, or rustic winter wedding, these ideas provide a starting point to transform your tables into captivating winter landscapes.
Winter wedding table names ideas
Here, we've curated a selection of winter wedding table name ideas that encompass the charm and beauty of this wonderful time of year. Whether you're aiming for a classic and elegant affair or a whimsical and rustic gathering, there's a table name idea to suit your style. Let's explore these delightful suggestions to help you add an extra touch of magic to your winter wedding.
Snowflake Serenity
Embrace the delicate beauty of snowflakes with this table name idea. Each table can be named after a different type of snowflake, making every guest feel unique and special.
Frosty Elegance
For an elegant touch, consider naming your tables after different shades of blue, silver, and white, reminiscent of the frosty landscape outside.
Icy Romance
Highlight the romance of the season with table names that evoke the chilly yet heartwarming atmosphere of winter.
Crystal Dreams
Let your guests dream amidst the sparkle and shine of crystals by naming your tables after various precious gemstones and crystals.
Yuletide Magic
Capture the essence of the holiday season by naming each table after a beloved Christmas tradition or song.
Arctic Love
Embrace the beauty of the Arctic landscape and its wildlife by naming your tables after Arctic animals or places.
Silver Bells
Celebrate the joyful sound of bells during the holiday season with this charming table name idea.
Evergreen Enchantment
Highlight the enduring beauty of evergreen trees by naming your tables after different types of conifers or forest elements.
Nordic Nuptials
Channel the Scandinavian charm by naming your tables after Norse mythology, Nordic gods, or famous landmarks from the region.
Winter wedding theme names
- Frosty Fairytale
- Enchanted Snowfall
- Winter Wonderland Whimsy
- Snowy Elegance
- Icy Romance
- Crystal Dreamscape
- Yuletide Magic
- Arctic Affection
- Silver Bells Soiree
- Evergreen Enchantment
- Nordic Nuptials
- Fireside Fête
- Cozy Cabin Celebration
- Northern Lights Love
- Frost and Flurries
These winter wedding theme names can help set the tone for your special day and provide a cohesive and enchanting atmosphere for your celebration. Whether you're aiming for a classic winter wonderland or a unique theme inspired by the season, these names can serve as a starting point for your wedding planning.
What about the perfect winter wedding venue idea?
If you're looking for an intimate, romantic winter wedding, consider a snowy locale or an indoor venue with a fireplace. You can also choose to have your ceremony in the evening instead of the morning so that it takes place under the stars.
If you're looking for something more grandiose, try hosting your ceremony at a mansion or estate with a beautiful outdoor space such as an ornate garden or historic chapel. You can also have an ice sculpture on display or incorporate snow into other aspects of the event such as table settings and centerpieces to give it a winter theme.
If you have an outdoor space then decorate with large lanterns with candles, if the weather is dry or there's a covered area. You could set up firepits to keep guests warm and add a romantic feel under the moonlight.
Here are a few winter wedding ideas that will keep you warm:
- Consider having your ceremony in a cozy, intimate space.
- Use natural materials such as wood and stone for your décor.
- Utilise candles and fireplaces or firepits to add warmth to the day.
- For your menu, consider having soup or hearty homecooked meals like cottage pie or roast dinner.
- Serve hot chocolate and coffee instead of wine.
Winter weddings: Final word
Winter weddings are a great idea for those who want to celebrate together with their loved ones in a cosy atmosphere. There are many winter wedding ideas that will keep you warm. Check out tje ideas above for inspiration and click the links for even more great decor and clothing ideas for your dream winter wedding.
Originally posted in 2017 and updated in 2022